The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

A lift-the-flap book gives the
littlest trick-or-treaters some practice identifying partygoers under their
costumes.

Little Blue Truck and his buddy Toad
are off to a party, and they invite readers (and a black cat) along for the
ride: “ ‘Beep! Beep! Beep!’ / says Little Blue. / ‘It’s Halloween!’ / You come,
too.” As they drive, they are surprised (and joined) by many of their friends
in costume. “Who’s that in a tutu / striking a pose / up on the tiniest / tips
of her toes? / Under the mask / who do you see?” Lifting the flap unmasks a
friend: “ ‘Quack!’ says the duck. / ‘It’s me! It’s me!’ ” The sheep is
disguised as a clown, the cow’s a queen, the pig’s a witch, the hen and her
chick are pirates, and the horse is a dragon. Not to be left out, Little Blue
has a costume, too. The flaps are large and sturdy, and enough of the animals’
characteristic features are visible under and around the costumes that little
ones will be able to make successful guesses even on the first reading. Lovely
curvy shapes and autumn colors fade to dusky blues as night falls, and children
are sure to notice the traditional elements of a Halloween party: apple
bobbing, lit jack-o’-lanterns, and punch and treats.

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